When Samantha “Sammy” Biermann first became interested in nutrition, it wasn’t through textbooks or classroom lectures — it began at home, where she was inspired by her family’s passion for healthy eating. Now, as a graduate student in SEMO Online’s Master of Science in Applied Nutrition (MSAN) program, Biermann is working to turn her interest into a meaningful career in nutrition.  

Having already earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition at Southeast Missouri State University, Biermann chose to continue her education at SEMO Online because of the outstanding faculty and supportive community. “I was just very familiar with the faculty,” Biermann says. “They were very personal with their students in a way that showed they cared about how we succeeded in the program, and they put a lot of effort into making sure we succeed with our future careers.”  

The ability to return to her hometown of St. Louis to pursue her master’s degree was also a significant factor in Biermann’s decision. “I could complete the program with the faculty I knew, and the program I liked, and also be back at home with my family and my friends,” she says. 

Hands-On, Experiential Learning 

SEMO Online’s MSAN program emphasizes hands-on learning, which Biermann describes as invaluable. Graduate students have the opportunity to participate in three types of rotations: food service, community and clinical.  

For Biermann, the academic side of the program set her up for success in real-life situations. “I have felt extremely prepared for each supervised experiential learning rotation I have had in this program,” she says. 

SEMO Online carefully matched Biermann’s rotations to her interests:  

• Because of her passion for pediatric nutrition, Biermann was able to spend eight weeks in a food service rotation at Pattonville School District near St. Louis. There, Biermann gained experience in managing nutritional programs, learning about U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) compliance and overseeing food service operations.  

• She gained valuable community nutrition experience through a rotation at an eating disorder facility and another rotation at a forensic treatment center, where she engaged with varied populations with a range of nutritional needs.  

• In her current 10-week clinical rotation at Missouri Baptist Hospital, Biermann is providing individualized dietary education to several patients each day, helping them with their dietary needs and with making plans for once they’re back at home. This position has sparked a new passion for clinical nutrition. 

One particularly rewarding experience for Biermann was creating a comprehensive nutrition education program aimed at teaching families how to follow balanced eating guidelines. As a final part of the project, she developed everything from educational materials to detailed meal plans, which she later successfully used to educate patients during one of her community rotations.  

“It was a great experience,” Biermann says. “It was very rewarding to see the work I put into this project being used in a real-life situation.” 

Networking and Leadership Opportunities 

In addition to gaining opportunities to practice providing nutrition education through the program, Biermann has been able to network extensively with professionals in the field. She describes her interactions with them as friendly and beneficial for her future career. 

“Leaving my last rotation, knowing I was going to my clinical rotation, one of the dietitians said, ‘Let me email you some of these handouts to help you prepare for your clinical rotation,’” she says. “Having those contacts and those connections, knowing they went through the same thing, they understand, and they want to help you become the best dietician — it’s been great to make those connections. I didn’t know any dietitians in St. Louis. Through this experience, I’ve met 18 dietitians.” 

Beyond her classwork and rotations, Biermann serves as the graduate assistant for the MSAN program director. In this role, she manages the department’s posts on social media platforms and assists prospective students, all while gaining behind-the-scenes insights into the program’s operations.  

“It’s exciting to connect with future students and support them through the application process,” she says. 

Advice for Future Students 

Biermann has three core pieces of advice for prospective students who are interested in the MSAN program: Stay organized, focus on your interest areas and take advantage of SEMO’s networking opportunities. 

1. Practice Time Management 

When it comes to making progress through the accelerated MSAN program, Biermann says the work is challenging but manageable and rewarding. She shares some advice for prospective students: “Since this program is accelerated, developing time management skills is key to succeeding academically and achieving your own personal goals.”  

“Knowing when to work on projects is key, since a lot of your projects play into your rotations. There are a lot of factors that play into turning things in on time, getting certain assignments completed,” she says. 

2. Pursue Your Unique Nutrition Interests 

Biermann advises incoming students to integrate their areas of interest into their coursework whenever possible. “If you’re interested in pediatrics, consider doing a case study with a child. Or if you’re interested in sports dietetics, consider doing your capstone with athletes,” she says.  

Biermann also encourages students to be open to any career. “I went in thinking I wanted to do pediatrics, which is not off the table, but I’ve had so many experiences, and ... as I went through more rotations, I realized, I actually really like the clinical setting,” Biermann says. 

The MSAN program is helping her prepare to take the registered dietitian exam with confidence, which will allow her to achieve her goal of becoming a clinical dietician and making a meaningful impact in her community. 

3. Network, Network, Network 

Biermann encourages students to actively seek connections with faculty members, mentors and fellow students in the MSAN program. “One thing I loved about this program was the faculty and how much they care about you succeeding personally,” she says. “They’re always willing to answer your questions and have you join office hours, even if it isn’t their office hour time.” 

Biermann highlights the importance of getting the most out of experiential learning opportunities by being curious and learning from nutrition professionals during rotations. “You will make mistakes and take on new experiences in the nutrition field, but that is what makes you a stronger and more passionate professional,” she says. 

“Having those real-life experiences has really helped me understand what a dietitian does and the different scenarios you can be in, and how to really critically think and problem solve even though you might not have the answer,” Biermann says.  

Consider the Flexible Master’s in Nutrition Program at SEMO Online 

Ultimately, Biermann encourages prospective students to consider the SEMO Online MSAN program for their advanced nutrition degree. Her advice is clear: “Apply! I have greatly enjoyed it. I feel like I’m a much more confident person, and it’s really challenged me.”  

Are you inspired by Sammy Biermann’s story? Do you have a passion for nutrition and wellness?  

Transform your interest into an impactful career in nutrition or dietetics. Discover how SEMO Online’s Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program can prepare you for a rewarding future in nutrition. 

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